The Reds are just 90 minutes away from the Europa League final - if they can overcome a 1-0 deficit in their semi-final second leg against Villarreal at Anfield on Thursday night.

“In October, Liverpool changed their manager, which is not a sign for a perfect situation. Something had gone wrong until then”

Jurgen Klopp

And Klopp believes getting past the Spanish club to reach the final in Switzerland on 18 May will rescue a “difficult” campaign which has seen his side struggle to secure a top-eight finish in the Premier League.

The Liverpool boss - who replaced Brendan Rodgers seven months ago - said: “This game is a big opportunity in a difficult season for Liverpool.

“In October, Liverpool changed their manager, which is not a sign for a perfect situation. Something had gone wrong until then.

Predicted Line-up: Liverpool v Villarreal

LIVERPOOL face Villarreal at Anfield on Thursday knowing they need to overturn a 1-0 deficit to make it into the Europa League final.

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Liverpool FC

Liverpool (Odds: 8/11 - Villarreal are 4/1)

“After that it wasn’t that we changed immediately. We developed. We still had problems with injuries and sometimes we played really good and sometimes not that good.

“But to be honest I think we have had only two bad games, against Watford and now Swansea.

“This team has built up consistently step by step and this good shape, this good moment we should use.